warning light Alfa Romeo MiTo 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

16GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Excessive engine coolant
temperature (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when the engine is overheated. The dis-
play will show the dedicated message. If the warning light comes
on, proceed as follows:
❍during normal travel: stop the car, stop the engine and check
that the water level in the reservoir is not under the MIN line.
In this case, wait for a few minutes for the engine to cool down,
then slowly and carefully open the cap, top-up with coolant and
check that the level is between the MIN and MAX references
on the reservoir. Also check for leaks. If the warning light comes
on again at the next engine start-up, contact your nearest Al-
fa Romeo Authorised Service.
❍In the case of demanding use (e.g. towing trailers uphill or
car at full load): slow down and stop the car if the warning light
stays on. Stop for 2 or 3 minutes with the engine running and
slightly accelerated to favour better coolant circulation. Then
stop the engine. Check the correct fluid level as described pre-
viously.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to keep the
engine on and slightly accelerated for a few minutes before switch-
ing it off.
u
Electric power steering failure (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few sec-
onds.
If the warning light (or symbol on the display) remains on, you will
not have steering assistance and the effort required to operate
the steering wheel will be increased. Steering is, however, possi-
ble. In this case contact your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vice. The display will show the dedicated message.g
Start&Stop system deactivation
(amber)
The warning light comes on when the Start&Stop sys-
tem is deactivated by pressing the button on the auxil-
iary control panel next to the steering wheel. On some versions the
display shows the associated message.T

EOBD/injection system failure
(amber)
Under normal conditions, the warning light comes on
when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but should go off
as soon as the engine is started.
If the warning light remains on or comes on whilst driving, this
means that the injection system is not working properly; in partic-
ular, if the warning light comes on constantly, this indicates a mal-
function in the supply/ignition system that could cause excessive
exhaust emissions, a possible loss of performance, poor driveabil-
ity and high fuel consumption.
On certain versions the dedicated message is displayed.
Under these conditions, the vehicle can continue travelling at mod-
erate speed without demanding excessive effort from the engine.
Prolonged use of the car with the warning light on may cause dam-
age. Contact your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service as soon
as possible.
The warning light goes out after the fault is cleared, and the indi-
cation is stored in the system.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR17
1
Doors not closed correctly (red)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) lights up
when one or more doors or the boot tailgate are not
properly closed. A buzzer will sound when doors are open
and the car is moving. On some versions the warning light (or sym-
bol on the display) also lights up when the bonnet is not closed
correctly.´
Luggage compartment open
On some versions a message + symbol on the display
are shown when the luggage compartment is open.R
Bonnet open
On some versions a message + symbol on the display
are shown when the bonnet is open.S
U

18GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
VDC system (amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few seconds.
If the warning light does not go out, or if it remains lit up when
driving, contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service. On certain ver-
sions the dedicated message is displayed. If the warning light flash-
es when driving, this indicates that the VDC system is active.
ASR failure
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is turned to MAR,
but it should go off after a few seconds. If the warning light does
not go out, or if it remains lit up when driving, contact an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service. On certain versions the dedicated mes-
sage is displayed.
If the warning light flashes when driving, this indicates that the ASR
system is active.
Hill Holder failure
This warning light comes on, on some versions together with the
*symbol and a message in the display, in the event of a Hill Hold-
er system failure. If this occurs, contact your nearest Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service.
á
NOTE (this information applies to petrol
engine only)
If the warning light is flashing, this indicates that the catalytic
converter may be damaged.
If the warning light comes on intermittently, release the accelera-
tor pedal to lower the speed of the engine until the warning light
stops flashing; continue the journey at moderate speed, trying to
avoid driving conditions that may cause further flashing and con-
tact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service as soon as possible.
Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service as soon
as possible if the
Uwarning light does not light
up when the key is turned to MAR or if, while trav-
elling, the warning light comes on either steadily or blink-
ing (along with a message on the display). The opera-
tion of the warning light
Umay be checked by the traf-
fic police using specific devices. Follow the laws in force
in the country where you are driving.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR19
1
Alfa Romeo CODE/alarm system
failure (amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light (or symbol on the display) comes
on (on some versions together with a message in the display) to
indicate the failure of the Alfa Romeo CODE or alarm system (for
versions/markets, where provided): if this occurs, contact your
nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service as soon as possible.
Break-in attempt
If this warning light flashes or, on some versions, if the symbol
appears in the display (together with the associated message) this
indicates a break-in attempt. Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised
Service as soon as possible.
Y
Glow plug preheating
(Diesel versions) (amber)
When the key is turned to MAR the warning light
comes on and it will go out when glow plugs reach the
preset temperature. The engine may be started immediately after
the warning light goes out.
IMPORTANT In mild or high temperature conditions, the warning
light comes on for a very short time only.m
Water in diesel fuel filter
(Diesel versions) (amber)
This warning light remains on constantly when driving
(together with a message in the display), to indicate the
presence of water in the diesel fuel filter.c
The presence of water in the fuel system circuit may
cause severe damage to the injection system and
irregular engine operation. If the
cwarning light
comes on in the instrument panel (together with a mes-
sage in the display) contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vice as soon as possible to bleed the system. Water may
have been introduced into the tank if this indication ap-
pears immediately after refuelling: in this case switch off
the engine immediately and contact an Alfa Romeo Au-
thorised Service.
Glowheater plugs preheating failure warning
light
(Diesel versions)
If this warning light flashes (on some versions together with a mes-
sage in the display), this indicates a failure in the glowheater plugs
preheating system. Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service
Provider as soon as possible to eliminate the fault.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR21
1
Dusk sensor failur
(for versions/markets, where provided)
On some versions the display will show a message +
symbol if there is a fault in the dusk sensor.1
Fuel reser ve – Limited range (amber)
This warning light comes on when about 5 to 7 litres
of fuel are left in the tank. When the remaining range
is approx. 50 km (or equivalent value in miles), on some
versions, the display will show a warning message.
Parking sensor failure
(for versions/markets, where provided)
On some versions the display will show a message +
symbol if there is a fault in the parking sensors.
Rain sensor failure
(for versions/markets, where provided)
On some versions the display will show a message +
symbol if there is a fault in the rain sensor.u
ç
t
If the warning light flashes with the vehicle in mo-
tion, contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.
Cruise Control (green)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light comes on when the key is turned
to MAR, but should go out after a few seconds if the
Cruise Control function is deactivated. The warning light
comes on when the Cruise Control wheel is turned to the ON po-
sition (see the “Cruise Control” paragraph in this chapter). The dis-
play will show the dedicated message.
Ü
Dynamic Suspension failure
(active shock absorber system)
(for versions/markets where provided)
On some versions, the display shows a message + sym-
bol in case of active shock absorber failure. Contact your nearest
Alfa Romeo Authorised Service as soon as possible.i

22GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Speed limit exceeded (red)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light (for versions/markets, where pro-
vided) comes on when the vehicle speed exceeds 120
km/h.
When the vehicle exceeds the speed limit set in the Setup Menu
(e.g. 120 km/h), on some versions a message and symbol are
shown in the display and a buzzer sounds.
X
General failure (amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
On some versions, this warning light comes on under the
following circumstances:
External lights failure
See description of 6warning light.
Brake lights failure
See description of “brake lights failure”.
Fuel lock
This warning light comes on when the fuel cut-off inertia switch is
triggered. The display will show the dedicated message.
è
Particulate trap filter blocked
(Diesel with DPF versions) (amber)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning
light switches on but it must switch off after a few seconds.
The warning light comes on constantly to notify the driver that
the DPF system needs to eliminate captured pollutants (particu-
late) by the regeneration process. The warning light does not come
on during every DPF regeneration, but only when driving conditions
require notification of the driver. To switch the warning light off,
the car must stay in motion until regeneration has been complet-
ed. The process normally takes about 15 minutes. The optimum
conditions to end the process are achieved by keeping the car in
motion up to 60km/h with an engine speed higher than 2,000
rpm. This light coming on is not a car defect and therefore the car
does not need to go to the workshop.
A specific message will appear on the display when the warning
light comes on (for versions/markets, where provided).
h
Always drive at a speed appropriate to the traffic
conditions, the weather and speed limits. The en-
gine may be turned off while the DPF light is on;
however, repeated interruption of the regeneration process
may result in premature exhaustion of engine oil. For this
reason it is always advisable to wait for the light to go
off before turning off the engine, following the instruc-
tions appearing above. It is not advisable to complete DPF
regeneration with the vehicle stationary.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR23
1
Insufficient tyre inflation pressure
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light (or symbol in the display) comes on
(on some versions together with a message on the dis-
play) (together with the sounding of a buzzer) if the tyre infla-
tion pressure of one or more tyres goes below a preset value. In
this way the T.P.M.S. system warns the driver that one or more
tyres may be dangerously flat and liable to puncture.
IMPORTANT Do not continue driving with one or more tyres flat
as vehicle driveability may be compromised. Stop the car, avoid-
ing harsh braking or steering manoeuvres. Replace the wheel im-
mediately with the spare wheel (for versions/markets, where pro-
vided) or carry out a repair using the dedicated kit (see the para-
graph on “Replacing a wheel” in chapter 4) and contact an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service as soon as possible.n
Start&Stop failure
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light comes on when a Start&Stop failure is detect-
ed.
Rain sensor failure
(for versions/markets, where provided)
See description of
uwarning light.
Parking sensor failure
(for versions/markets, where provided)
See description of
twarning light.
Dusk sensor failure
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light comes on when a dusk sensor failure is detect-
ed.

24GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Display of selected driving mode
(“Alfa DNA” system)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
On versions equipped with a “Reconfigurable multifunctional Dis-
play” a message + symbol associated with the selected driving
mode - “DYNAMIC”, “NORMAL” or “ALL WEATHER” - is shown.
A warning message is shown on the display if one of these dri-
ving modes is not available.
On versions equipped with a “Multifunctional display” a letter (d
or a) associated with the selected driving mode is shown togeth-
er with a dedicated message.
Engine oil level display
(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR the display shows, for a few
seconds, the engine oil level. In the event of an insufficient engine
oil level, a warning message appears on the display.
IMPORTANT To determine the correct engine oil quantity, always check
using the marks on the dipstick (see paragraph "Checking levels" in
"5" section).
IMPORTANT For a correct engine oil level indication, perform the check
with the car parked on a level surface.
IMPORTANT To perform the engine oil reading correctly, after turning
the key to MAR wait for about 2 seconds before starting the engine.
IMPORTANT The engine oil level may increase after a long stop.
T.P.M.S. system failure (amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light (or symbol in the display) comes on (on some
versions together with a message in the display) when a fault is
detected in the T.P.M.S tyre inflation pressure monitoring system:
if this occurs, contact your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service
as soon as possible.
Should one or more wheels be fitted without sensors, the display
will show a warning message until initial conditions are restored.
Check tyre inflation pressure
(for versions/markets, where provided)
If this warning light (or symbol in the display) comes on (on some
versions together with a message in the display) this indicates that
the tyre pressure is below the optimum value recommended to
guarantee long tyre life and low fuel consumption. It may also in-
dicate a slow loss of pressure.
Should two or more tyres be discovered to be in the above men-
tioned condition, the display will show the indications corresponding
to each tyre in sequence. Under these circumstances you should
restore the correct pressure values (see chapter 6).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR25
1
Dipped beam headlights (green)
This warning light comes on when the dipped beam
headlights are turned on.
Rear fog lights (amber)
This warning light comes on when the rear fog lights
are turned on.4
Front fog lights (green)
This warning light comes on when the front fog lights
are turned on.5
Side lights (green)
This warning light comes on when the side lights are
turned on.
Follow me home (green)
This warning light comes on (together with a message in the dis-
play), when this device is used.
3
2
Main beam headlights (blue)
This warning light comes on when the main beam head-
lights are turned on.1
Left direction indicator (green)
This warning light comes on when the direction indi-
cator control lever is moved downwards and when the
hazard warning light button is pressed.
Right direction indicator (green)
This warning light comes on when the direction indi-
cator control lever is moved upwards and when the haz-
ard warning light button is pressed.
R
E

46GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
SYMBOLS
Some vehicle components have coloured labels whose symbols in-
dicate precautions to be observed when using this component.
There is also a label under the bonnet that summarises all the sym-
bols.
ALFA ROMEO CODE SYSTEM
This is an electrical engine locking system which increases protec-
tion against an attempted theft of the car. It is automatically acti-
vated when the ignition key is extracted.
Each key contains an electronic device which modulates the sig-
nal emitted during ignition by an antenna built into the ignition de-
vice. This signal is the ‘password’ which changes at each ignition
and which the control unit uses to recognise the key and enable
ignition.
OPERATION
Each time the car is started by turning the ignition key to MAR, the
Alfa Romeo CODE system control unit sends an acknowledgement
code to the engine management control unit to deactivate the in-
hibitor.
The code is sent only if the Alfa Romeo CODE system control unit
has recognised the code transmitted from the key.
Each time the ignition key is turned to STOP, the Alfa Romeo
CODE system deactivates the functions of the engine management
control unit. If the code is not recognised correctly during ignition,
the
Ywarning light comes on in the instrument panel. In this
case turn the key to STOP and then to MAR; if the lock persists
try again with the spare set of keys. If you are still unable to
start the engine contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.